Formal Hose--loads of questions

[macwilkin]

Personally, I really like the look of black hose with my saffron kilt from SWK when I'm wearing my PC. Sets off the saffron flashes very nicely.

Have you tried dark green hose? They are spot on with a saffron kilt.

T.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Since the question was about what to wear with a fancy doublet such as a Montrose or Sherrifmuir, and these types of doublets are not inexpensive on their own, I think you'll find that Argyle or diced hose will be the most common footwear to complete the outfit. Yes, they are more expensive than other kilt hose, but if you are shopping in the price range that allows you to buy a Montrose doublet, you probably won't experience too much sticker shock.

No matter how you are dressing, formal or casual, it's important that all the accessories be somewhat congruous in terms of both style and quality. For example, while there is nothing wrong with a Buzz Kidder country sporran in and of itself, wearing one with a Montrose doublet and full Argyle hose would throw off the look of the whole outfit.

This is not to say that Argyle hose are an absolute requirement for wearing with a formal doublet of this sort, but they are reccomended, and as this is the price range you are shopping in, expect the cost.

J. Higgins Argyle hose cost $45. This seems like a great deal. But when you realize that Argyle hose from just about any Scottish based supplier are going to cost in the neighborhood of $200, that should send up some red flags. Obviously you won't be getting the same type of product. It's not just a question of them being a little bit less expensive. They are incredibly cheap. I've seen them in person, and you can visually tell the quality is not there. So it's a bit like the difference between a $75 acrylic kilt and a $500 wool kilt. You wouldn't wear your really nice Montrose doublet with an acrylic kilt. Same applies for bargain basement socks.

But I think you could get by with a pair of really nice solid color hose. The color will depend upon the tartan, of course, but I tend to favor the darker colors for more formal attire. A nice bottle green or navy blue will work very well. Why not a strong red? Just avoid the lovat mixtures for formal wear. These multi-tones are more suited to country or day wear.

I'm going to disagree with Alan over the white hose. They are very commonly seen worn with a Prince Charlie jacket, and they don't look bad per se, but are not to my taste. I think their one main advantage is that if you are also wearing ghillie brogues, the white hose make a nice contrast to the black laces. But I'd still rather see a nice color.

But with the Montrose doublet (or a similar style) you are upping the formality level a notch, and I just don't think plain white or ecru hose will cut the mustard for this style of dress.
Aye,
Matt

[Bob C]

I'm just gonna say this right out loud, right now. I LIKE stark white hose with black tie, a crisp white shirt and a kilt. I think it looks classy.

AND

I can get nice popcorn-top, stark, gleaming, brilliant white pipers hose for $21. Twenty-one bucks.

So all you guys who feel that white hose is an abomination can go right ahead and do that, but I am gonna keep wearing them because I LIKE them.

Good for you, Alan. My own preference is for cream, but I'm with you on this.

As for those $200 socks, at that price, they'd better levitate me an inch above the floor to keep my feet from getting sore.

[BoldHighlander]

Yes except I read somewhere black hose are for wearing to a funeral if kilted. Don't know if it's true or not but it kinda puts me off.

Went back and re-read the e-book "Kilts & Tartans Made Easy" by Dr. Nicholas J. Fiddes (founder, Scotsweb & Governor, Scottish Tartan Authority) and no where in the section on kilt hose can I find black being restricted to funerals.

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

Went back and re-read the e-book "Kilts & Tartans Made Easy" by Dr. Nicholas J. Fiddes (founder, Scotsweb & Governor, Scottish Tartan Authority) and no where in the section on kilt hose can I find black being restricted to funerals.

Yeah, And Fiddes also says that the cream hose are "acceptable":

Recently however white or off-white hose
have become common. This is mostly due to
their popularity with the kilt hire trade
(where providing only one colour reduces
costs). Cream or white hose can still offend
some traditionalists. But it is possibly time
to accept that white is now orthodox.

Given that I wear the Modern Forbes Tartan for dress, which is a pretty dark combination, I would like something with a wee bit of colour when I am dressing up. On the other hand, I want to be proper.

So, cream is OK with the Argyll or the PC, but not any of the real formal doublets from what I am reading.

Besides, if you are splashing out for a formal doublet, you may as well go the whole hog. So, I agree with Matt.

[BoldHighlander]

Yeah, And Fiddes also says that the cream hose are "acceptable":

Actually he says:
"Recently however white or off-white hose have become common. This is mostly due to their popularity with the kilt hire trade (where providing only one colour reduces cost). Cream or white hose can still offend some traditionalists.
But it is possibly time to accept that white is now orthodox."

Sounds more like a suggestion than an out & out endorsement...

I'm not offended by white / off-white, its just not for me personally

[BoldHighlander]

Besides, if you are splashing out for a formal doublet, you may as well go the whole hog.

I would agree

[string]

So, I know that white stockings were traditional with breeches in the 18th century, did the kilted men wear the same stockings?

[starbkjrus]

Yes except I read somewhere black hose are for wearing to a funeral if kilted. Don't know if it's true or not but it kinda puts me off.

I've not heard that one.

One of my favorite modes of semi-formal dress is black hose, shirt, waistcoat and jacket then a bright kilt with tie and flashes / garters to tone with it.

[BoldHighlander]

So, I know that white stockings were traditional with breeches in the 18th century, did the kilted men wear the same stockings?

Actually String from research I've seen conducted by my fellows in the BAR (Brigade of the American Revolution) civilian hose came in many hues of color, not just white.

As for the kilted men of the 18th century, I'm sure others may chime in here, but the short answer is there was solid colored hose I'm sure but tartan hose would have been common, and the military typically wore caddis (striped) or "cath dath" hose as its sometimes referred.